Showing papers in "Eurasian Geography and Economics in 2009"
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper presented a retrospective analysis of China's hukou (household registration) system on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its promulgation, reviewing the history of that system from a broad socio-political perspective.
Abstract: A noted American authority on urbanization in China presents a retrospective analysis of China's hukou (household registration) system on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its promulgation, reviewing the history of that system from a broad socio-political perspective. More specifically, the paper focuses on revealing trends in the development of the system over time and identifying many of its important ramifications for modern Chinese society, as well as on the impact of hukou on the country's industrialization, urbanization, and social and spatial stratification. The author argues that the hukou system now presents a major obstacle to China's quest to become a modern, first-world nation and global leader. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O180, O530, P200, R120. 2 figures, 3 tables, 111 references.
560 citations
TL;DR: A team of Beijing-based urban planning specialists is joined by a noted American geographer to present the results and analyze their 2008 survey of migrant settlements in China's capital city as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A team of Beijing-based urban planning specialists is joined by a noted American geographer to present the results and analyze their 2008 survey of migrant settlements in China's capital city The paper examines the living and work conditions as well as housing consumption behavior of migrants in Chinese cities, focusing on chengzhongcun or urban villages—rural settlements that have been transformed into poor living spaces for migrant workers It finds that although migrant workers are willing to pay the same or higher rent per unit of space, they consume much smaller dwelling spaces than local residents Estimations of the Mincerian wage equation and of a housing demand equation show that migrants' small space consumption is a function not only of low income but also of a reluctance to spend their earnings in the city The findings reinforce the notion that migrant workers consider the city as a place to work rather than a home in which to live Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: J61
193 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Hong Kong-based geographers assess retrospectively the performance of SEZs in China on the eve of the 30th anniversary of their founding by exploring the general rationale and historical context for the launching of the SEZ concept, they devote considerable attention to the divergent development paths and outcomes of the five SEZ established in China during the 1980s.
Abstract: Three Hong Kong-based geographers assess retrospectively the performance of special economic zones (SEZs) in China on the eve of the 30th anniversary of their founding. After exploring the general rationale and historical context for the launching of the SEZ concept, they devote considerable attention to the divergent development paths and outcomes of the five SEZs established in China during the 1980s. Of particular importance has been the differing specific roles assigned to the SEZs based on their internal characteristics as well as location relative to (and interactions with) areas of intense commercial activity (Hong Kong and Macao) subsequently coming under Chinese sovereignty. The paper concludes by viewing the past performance of the SEZs within the context of the gathering momentum of globalization that afforded entry for their export-oriented manufacturing activities into world markets, and explores some implications of the current worldwide financial crisis for their future. Journal of Economic...
185 citations
TL;DR: Zhang et al. as discussed by the authors examined the emergence of a new African community (primarily traders from West Africa) in the Xiaobei urban district of Guangzhou City, arguing that Xiaobei is not only a space for transacting transnational business but also a place of sojourn where African migrants struggle to make a living without local integration or assimilation.
Abstract: The paper, by three geographers, including a noted U.S.-based senior specialist on China's urban and human realm, presents the first known academic study of the country's African migrants. The authors examine the emergence of a new African community (primarily traders from West Africa) in the Xiaobei urban district of Guangzhou City, arguing that Xiaobei is not only a space for transacting transnational business but also a place of sojourn where African migrants struggle to make a living without local integration or assimilation. As a "non-state" gateway for burgeoning economic linkages between China and Africa, Xiaobei's spontaneous place-making is strengthened by the aspiring efforts of local entrepreneurs, at the same time that this new transnational space is challenged by an invisible wall between Africans and local residents due to cultural and social differences. The paper notes the impacts of globalization, which appears to be adding a new dimension (ethnicity) to the pattern of residential segrega...
112 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined the impacts of the global economic crisis of 2008-2009 on the job security of urban workers and the ensuing repercussions for the Chinese society and economy, and provided an estimate of the urban unemployment rate in 2009 that differs from the official rate.
Abstract: Two noted academic specialists on labor economics and population statistics of China examine the impacts of the global economic crisis of 2008-2009 on the job security of urban workers, and the ensuing repercussions for the Chinese society and economy. More specifically, they probe and determine the magnitude of urban unemployment in China in 2008 and 2009 as it appears to be reported in different segments of the country's immense labor market. A particular focus of the paper is on differences in unemployment among two groups of workers (those with urban hukou vis-a-vis rural migrant workers) with significantly different sets of rights and privileges, as well as levels of job security. The authors also provide an estimate of the urban unemployment rate in 2009 that differs from the official rate. They argue that measures toward further integration of rural and urban labor markets and reducing natural unemployment are ultimately more beneficial than short-term interventions to adjust cyclical joblessness s...
79 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a noted American economist and specialist on the economies of the former Soviet Union presents the results of his research on the Eurasian network of natural gas pipelines, focusing on the political economy of network interdependence.
Abstract: A noted American economist and specialist on the economies of the former Soviet Union presents the results of his research on the Eurasian network of natural gas pipelines. While the focus is on the political economy of network interdependence, the author covers in considerable detail the political significance of Russia's substantial market power and its efforts to enhance that power in 2007 and 2008. More specifically, he highlights Gazprom's role both as a supplier of natural gas to Europe and as the core of a monopoly controlling exports of natural gas from Russia and Central Asia by expropriating and/or blocking foreign ownership of natural gas reserves as well as production and transportation facilities in Russia. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F100, F230, L950, P330, Q400. 11 figures, 1 table, 51 references.
69 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two prominent U.S. geographers outline the framework and mandate of an emerging new regional geography as a tool for understanding rapid and profound changes in the contemporary world.
Abstract: Two prominent U.S. geographers outline the framework and mandate of an emerging new regional geography as a tool for understanding rapid and profound changes in the contemporary world. In so doing, they differentiate this new approach to the geographic study of regions from both (a) the traditional practice of regional geography prevailing in the discipline from the mid-19th century and (b) accounts of geography's role in contemporary affairs offered by non-specialists in the mass media (e.g., Kaplan's "revenge of geography"). The authors provide recommendations for, and note the benefits of, a strengthening of regional research and training in geography, while mapping out an expanded role for Eurasian Geography and Economics in disseminating new regional research whose scope extends beyond disciplinary boundaries to embrace current public and political debate. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O100, O180, P000, R110.60 references.
49 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a noted British specialist on Russia's economy reviews the rise of direct state control in that country's oil industry in light of international experience and argues that in current Russian circumstances the political elite's objectives of maintaining a monopoly on power and siphoning off resource rents may be served as well or better by private companies controlled by allies than by state concerns.
Abstract: A noted British specialist on Russia's economy reviews the rise of direct state control in that country's oil industry in light of international experience. The author notes Russia's unusual position among major oil-exporting countries in the extent of private ownership of its oil industry. The expansion of the country's state-controlled companies is analyzed and discussed, along with the relationship between state and private oil companies operating in Russia. The paper presents arguments to the effect that in current Russian circumstances the political elite's objectives of maintaining a monopoly on power and siphoning off resource rents may be served as well or better by private companies controlled by allies than by state concerns. It is suggested that any judgement that the oil industry will in time be wholly or very largely nationalized is therefore premature. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: L720, P260, P280, Q400. 3 tables, 37 references.
44 citations
TL;DR: This article showed that up to three quarters of the goods imported by Kyrgyzstan have been unofficially re-exported to other Central Asian countries, generating substantial income for the country.
Abstract: Relying on mirror foreign trade statistics and their reconciliation with official data on balance of payments, two economists demonstrate the important role of bazaars as major conduits of trade in Central Asia, and particularly of Kyrgyz bazaars for the entry of Chinese consumer goods into the region. The authors estimate that in recent years up to three quarters of the goods imported by Kyrgyzstan have been unofficially re-exported to other Central Asian countries, generating substantial income for the Kyrgyz economy. A concluding section explores the implications of the re-export trade for Kyrgyzstan (e.g., positive spillovers for domestic light industry) as well as the potential emergence of new competitors (e.g., Kazakhstan).
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two Russian-trained geographers investigate the multiple and largely informal and illicit forms of exchange between two provincial cities of roughly similar size located on opposite banks of the Amur River, namely Blagoveshchensk, in Russia's Far East, and Heihe, in neighboring northeast China.
Abstract: Two Russian-trained geographers investigate the multiple and largely informal and illicit forms of exchange between two provincial cities of roughly similar size located on opposite banks of the Amur River, namely Blagoveshchensk, in Russia's Far East, and Heihe, in neighboring northeast China. The study is based on interviews and field observations from 2002 to 2009 in Blagoveshchensk, as well as official statistics from the relevant Russian and Chinese provincial governments. Particular attention is focused on the activities and treatment of Chinese guest workers comprising a material component of the labor force in Amur Oblast (e.g., in construction and agriculture), unregistered Chinese entrepreneurs in retailing and catering, and trans-border logging operations of Chinese timber/wood products companies. Also covered are the activities of visiting Russian nationals in Heihe and the extralegal activities of Russian entrepreneurs and bureaucrats. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F...
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, two American economists specializing in tax policy and the economy of Russia examine the tax policies and instruments utilized by the Russian government to derive revenues from the country's oil production and exports, and compare these policies with relevant measures in Australia, Canada, Norway, the UK, and United States.
Abstract: Two American economists specializing in tax policy and the economy of Russia examine fiscal policies and instruments utilized by the Russian government to derive revenues from the country's oil production and exports, and compare these policies with relevant measures in Australia, Canada, Norway, the UK, and United States. The authors proceed to analyze the net present value shares resulting from the development of an oil deposit that accrue to the government and to investors in Russia prior to 2007 and in 2008-January 2009 after adoption of changes in the fiscal regime. The analysis covers a variety of scenarios, including zero inflation and debt, positive inflation and debt levels, as well as price volatility. It yields, inter alia, a basic finding to the effect that the share of a project's net present value accruing to Russia's government is high in comparison with that in the other oil-producing countries discussed in the paper. Moreover, relative to its mean return, the Russian government bears sign...
TL;DR: In this paper, two specialists on China's energy industries review the country's challenges posed by the need to dramatically increase energy use in order to support economic growth while coping with pressures to reduce environmental impacts from emissions of greenhouse gases.
Abstract: In a companion paper to the essays comparing China's and India's economic rise (Prime, 2009) as well as India's energy security (Dadwal, 2009), two specialists on China's energy industries review the country's challenges posed by the need to dramatically increase energy use in order to support economic growth while coping with pressures to reduce environmental impacts from emissions of greenhouse gases. After reviewing the current mix of fuels in the economy and discussing each major energy resource (in terms of proven reserves, production, consumption, and foreign import requirements), the authors focus on measures undertaken by the Chinese government and corporations to improve access to vital supplies. The paper covers efforts to enhance the country's energy security, which include diversifying sources of oil supply, purchasing oil and gas concessions and financing of energy infrastructure development in African and Central Asian countries, instituting reforms to encourage more efficient energy use, an...
TL;DR: This article analyzed the impact of the 2008-2009 global economic recession on remittances in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) using balance-of-payments data and money transfers to and from the region.
Abstract: Two European geographers and an economist analyze the impact of the 2008-2009 global economic recession on remittances in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Drawing on balance-of-payments data as well as information on money transfers to and from the region, they detail the annual growth of remittances since 2001, illustrating the growing importance of this income stream to a number of countries in the region. Using quarterly data, they then provide details of the impact of the financial crisis on remittances starting with the 2007 credit crunch and intensifying with the collapse of global markets in 2008. Based on the impact of the 1998 Russian Crisis, they suggest that by 2012, remittances to the region could fall to only one-third the 2008 level, and that a return to pre-crisis levels of remittances could take almost a decade. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F220, F240, J610, O180. 4 figures, 6 tables, 47 references.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the slowdown in Russian oil production after 2007 was an intentional response to rising world prices rather than an undesired, negative consequence of Russian policies, and outline the elements of a Russian strategy designed to avoid: (a) the launching of long-term investment programs in a high-oil-price environment, in which future world oil prices and the costs of lifting "new" East Siberian crude cannot be reliably predicted (thereby reducing price risk) and (b) expenditure of windfall profits to support noncompetitive enterprises in other sectors of the economy
Abstract: Two prominent American specialists on the Russian economy re-examine two key political explanations commonly advanced for the slowdown in Russian oil production after 2007, namely the high tax regime and increasing state control. The authors' objective is not to question the validity of these explanations, but rather to argue that the outcome (i.e., the slowing rate of oil output and revenues derived from it) was an intentional response to rising world prices rather than an undesired, negative consequence of Russian policies. More specifically, the authors outline the elements of a Russian strategy designed to avoid: (a) the launching of long-term investment programs in a high-oil-price environment, in which future world oil prices and the costs of lifting "new" East Siberian crude cannot be reliably predicted (thereby reducing price risk) and (b) expenditure of windfall profits to support noncompetitive enterprises in other sectors of the economy (curbing rent addiction). Journal of Economic Literature, ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of the current global economic crisis and recession on China's trade with the rest of the world is examined, based on statistics collected by the country's customs administration through the first half of 2009.
Abstract: Two noted academic specialists on China's economic geography are joined by a research assistant to examine the impact of the current global economic crisis and recession on China's trade with the rest of the world. Relying on statistics collected by the country's customs administration through the first half of 2009, the authors identify and analyze trends in China's imports and exports (detailing countries of origin and destination) as well as balance of trade. They also develop and present an input-output model in order to gain a more precise understanding of the country's trade dependence (both before and during the crisis) than afforded by analyses based on conventional statistics, and explore some of the implications of the decline in trade on levels of domestic unemployment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employ Rapoport's "four waves of terrorism" to illustrate the changing geography of terrorism and place it within the context of broad historical shifts in modes of warfare that envisages terrorism as a form of war stemming from imperialism and state-building.
Abstract: Two North American political geographers situate contemporary terrorism in the world within broad historical trends and geopolitical structures. They employ Rapoport's "four waves of terrorism" to illustrate the changing geography of terrorism (from an intrastate to an international phenomenon) and place it within the context of broad historical shifts in modes of warfare that envisages terrorism as a form of war stemming from imperialism and state-building. The authors broaden the structural setting of terrorism to include geoeconomics and the concept of relative deprivation, using empirical analysis to argue that contemporary terrorism is primarily a feature of the semi-periphery of the world-economy (middle-income countries). Specific characteristics of the Global War on Terror are interpreted by relating processes of imperialism and state-building to a situation in which the U.S. is facing geopolitical challenges and a possible decline in global-power status. Journal of Economic Literature, Classifica...
TL;DR: In this paper, an intensive investigation of China's high-tech sector led by a noted Hong Kong-based geographer examines the patterns of cooperation between firms and local governments (so-called "state-firm strategic resonance") as an alternative to knowledge spillover in an effort to explain why certain firms are more likely to innovate than others within an economic cluster.
Abstract: An intensive investigation of China's high-tech sector led by a noted Hong Kong—based geographer examines the patterns of cooperation between firms and local governments (so-called "state-firm strategic resonance") as an alternative to knowledge spillover in an effort to explain why certain firms are more likely to innovate than others within an economic cluster. As a case study, they select the integrated circuit design industry (a key in the development of more efficient computing and thus a critical element of the digital revolution) in Shanghai, one of the most advanced metropolitan regions in China. A systematic analysis of firm-level data obtained inter alia from the authors' 2008 survey and interviews revealed a significant pattern of variation in innovation that could not be explained by inter-firm interactions in the process of industrial clustering. The authors argue that the uneven pattern of technological innovation is contingent on a state-built institutional and market environment designed t...
TL;DR: A prominent UK-based political and historical geographer analyzes ethnogeopolitics, a new trend in Russian political discourse that is distinguished by the primary role it assigns to ethnicity (rather than the nation-state) as a geopolitical factor as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A prominent UK-based political and historical geographer analyzes ethnogeopolitics, a new trend in Russian political discourse that is distinguished by the primary role it assigns to ethnicity (rather than the nation-state) as a geopolitical factor—i.e., recognizing formal (often poly-ethnic) ethno-national groupings on their respective ethnic spaces as important "geopolitical subjects" in their own right with a certain autonomy in world politics. After defining and otherwise setting out the differences between ethno-geopolitics and the more mainstream school of Russian geopolitics emerging after the disintegration of the USSR, the author proceeds to assess the extent to which ethno-geopolitics is shaping current Russian geopolitical thought in two critically important arenas: (1) Russia's relations with other great powers at the global level and (2) the dynamics of ethnicity (and inter-ethnic relations) within its own boundaries as well as in neighboring states. Journal of Economic Literature, Classifica...
TL;DR: In this paper, an American economist specializing in the economic and business development of China as well as India presents the results of a focused comparison of their emergence as global economic powers in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Abstract: An American economist specializing in the economic and business development of China as well as India presents the results of a focused comparison of their emergence as global economic powers in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. More specifically, she selectively reviews the body of published research comparing China and India, with emphasis on the literature covering the two countries' economic achievements, the nature of reforms and institutions, as well as the overall social contexts within which development and growth are occurring. The author addresses such major questions as the importance of timing and location in the two countries' development trajectories as well as the implications of different modes of guidance (market versus state direction) for those trajectories. A concluding section identifies several possible directions for future research. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F010, O110, O530, P200, P520. 1 figure, 2 tables, 120 references.
TL;DR: A British specialist on the Russo-Chechen wars and international terrorism examines Russia's role in the Global War on Terror and in particular its long-term campaign against both separatists and Islamic extremists in Chechnya and elsewhere in the North Caucasus as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A British specialist on the Russo-Chechen wars and international terrorism examines Russia's role in the Global War on Terror and, in particular, its long-term campaign against both separatists and Islamic extremists in Chechnya and elsewhere in the North Caucasus. The author advances the argument that Russia's Eurasian (as opposed to European) mode of governance, equating self-determination with separatism and cultural/religious differences with extremism, has generated societal pressures conducive to heightened political violence and terrorism. The implications of such pressures for the future incidence of terrorism in Russia are explored. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: H770, O180, P300. 2 figures, 52 references.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of land reform on agricultural production and the income of rural house-holds in Tajikistan were examined using official government statistics to discern trends of agricultural output at the national level and the results of three extensive surveys conducted in 2007-2008 (N > 2,000) and one in 2003 (N = 4,000 respondents) by international organizations (UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Asian Development Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development, World Bank) to identify household-level changes.
Abstract: Two noted specialists on the agricultural economies of the former Soviet Union examine the effects of land reform on agricultural production and the income of rural house-holds in Tajikistan. The authors utilize official government statistics to discern trends of agricultural output at the national level, and the results of three extensive surveys conducted in 2007-2008 (N > 2,000) and one in 2003 (N = 4,000 respondents) by international organizations (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Asian Development Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development, World Bank) to identify household-level changes. They also review the legislative framework for agrarian reform in the country; examine national-level trends in farm structure and organization, livestock production, farm productivity, and cropping patterns; and analyze shifts in size of land holdings and rural family incomes at the household level. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: D130, O130, P320, Q150. 11 figures,...
TL;DR: In this paper, a U.S.-based geographer and specialist on China advances his research on industrial districts and regional development by presenting a 2008 study of shoe manufacturing in Wenzhou (a major center in the world's largest footwear producing and exporting country).
Abstract: A U.S.-based geographer and specialist on China advances his research on industrial districts and regional development by presenting a 2008 study of shoe manufacturing in Wenzhou (a major center in the world's largest footwear producing and exporting country). More specifically, the author examines how the model of economic development pioneered in Wenzhou (the Wenzhou model) has been transformed in an effort to meet the challenges posed by the global economy. He argues that the scaling up of Wenzhou's footwear industry, through the expansion of sales networks and factories across China and abroad, indicates that other adaptable city regions can overcome similar obstacles. The author challenges both the New Regionalism literature focused on local institutions and assets, as well as perspectives that overemphasize the benefits of globalization and global production networks. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O100, O140, O180. 2 figures, 3 tables, 60 references.
TL;DR: In this article, a noted specialist on the Russian economy presents an assessment of the impact of the global financial crisis on the mechanism of the country's economic growth, focusing on the demand side of the economic ledger, and explores the question of whether Russia will be able to re-attain the high economic growth rates of the period from 2000 to 2007 after recovering from the crisis.
Abstract: A noted specialist on the Russian economy presents an assessment of the impact of the global financial crisis on the mechanism of the country's economic growth. Focusing on the demand side of the economic ledger, the author explores the question of whether Russia will be able to re-attain the high economic growth rates of the period from 2000 to 2007 after recovering from the crisis. The paper analyzes the sharp drop in production in 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, attributing most of the damage to liquidity problems and declines in the price of oil. Empirical evidence is based primarily on data collected by the author from the Central Bank of Russia and the country's federal bureau of statistics (Rosstat). Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: E010, E200, E660, F210, G010. 11 figures, 3 tables, 29 references.
TL;DR: In this article, a senior Japanese specialist on Russia's economy and its oil and natural gas sectors compares the influence of high oil prices on that economy as well as on Saudi Arabia's.
Abstract: A senior Japanese specialist on Russia's economy and its oil and natural gas sectors compares the influence of high oil prices on that economy as well as on Saudi Arabia's. The author provides a penetrating analysis of the relation between oil price increases and GDP growth, of the growth of GDP by final use, and of the accumulation of state budget surpluses in the world's two leading producers and exporters. Although brief references are made to the drastic decline in the price of oil prompted by the global economic crisis that emerged in the fall of 2008, the paper is specifically focused on the impact of price increases that peaked in July. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: E660, H200, H600, O110, Q400. 9 figures, 6 tables, 35 references.
TL;DR: The impact of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 on Ukraine's budget, banks, exchange rates, money supply, industrial sectors (particularly energy and steel), GDP, and inflationary pressures is analyzed in this article.
Abstract: A prominent specialist in the economic affairs of the former Soviet Union relates and analyzes the state of Ukraine's economy in light of a series of discussions and interviews with the country's Prime Minister and leading economic officials in Kyiv in 2008 and April 2009. The author, a former economic advisor to the country's government and co-chair of the UN's Blue Ribbon Commission for Ukraine, devotes this paper to a penetrating analysis of the impact of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 on Ukraine's budget, banks, exchange rates, money supply, industrial sectors (particularly energy and steel), GDP, and inflationary pressures. Due attention is given to economic relations with the EU and Russia as well as to financial assistance from the IMF.Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: E500, E600, O520, P200. 1 table, 4 figures, 38 references.
TL;DR: In this paper, a noted American geographer surveys the spatial distribution and growth (between 2000 and 2008) of Internet users in the 15 countries of the former Soviet Union, Mongolia, and Afghanistan (Eurasia).
Abstract: A noted American geographer surveys the spatial distribution and growth (between 2000 and 2008) of Internet users in the 15 countries of the former Soviet Union, Mongolia, and Afghanistan (Eurasia). A major focus is exploration of the correlations between rapidly increasing penetration rates in the region and hypothesized drivers of Internet growth worldwide (such as income, literacy, and telephone access). The author proceeds to examine various forms of Internet censorship practiced in Eurasia, which exhibit different degrees of severity and types depending on the country in question. A third section of the paper assesses the potentially transformative role of electronic commerce and governance among the region's states, including types of applications and the obstacles that this phenomenon confronts. A concluding section includes penetrating observations on the implications of continued expansion of Internet use on commerce, information access, and civil society in the region.
TL;DR: In this article, three Taiwan-based economists employ a range of exploratory spatial data analysis tools (e.g., Moran's I and LISA statistics) to investigate trends in the growth of China's exports over the period 1991-2008.
Abstract: Three Taiwan-based economists employ a range of exploratory spatial data analysis tools (e.g., Moran's I and LISA statistics) to investigate trends in the growth of China's exports over the period 1991-2008. A particular focus is on the detection of spatial correlations between China and 40 export destination countries in major world regions. Emphasis in the paper on the key years of 1991, 2001, 2006, and 2008 has enabled the authors to analyze the impacts on China's trade of such major events as the country's accession to the World Trade Organization and the global economic crisis of 2008-2009. The results of the spatial analysis reveal the continuing importance of the U.S. and Asian countries in China's export trade (despite changes in the character of trade relations) and identify the spatial outliers (e.g., in Latin America) that may serve as the basis for new export markets for China in the future.
TL;DR: A U.S.-based economic geographer and observer of China's economy examines the rapid expansion of the country's largely overlooked service sector, at both the national and regional levels as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A U.S.-based economic geographer and observer of China's economy examines the rapid expansion of the country's largely overlooked service sector, at both the national and regional levels. A particular focus of the author's research is on identifying regional variations in the development of services within the country and exploring some of the more important contributing factors. Based on the findings, the paper also discusses structural shifts that occurred in China's regional economies, disclosing inter alia that inequality in the contribution of services to GDP did not follow the same trajectory as that of employment in services. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: L800, O180, P230. 6 figures, 4 tables, 82 references.
TL;DR: An American specialist on Russian agriculture examines that country's agrarian policy, as well as the agricultural sector more generally, one year into the presidency of Dmitriy Medvedev.
Abstract: An American specialist on Russian agriculture examines that country's agrarian policy, as well as the agricultural sector more generally, one year into the presidency of Dmitriy Medvedev. Focusing on the three key policy issues—state financial support, state intervention in the grain market, and international food trade policy—he assesses the extent to which current policy represents a continuation of that prevailing during the presidency of Vladimir Putin. The author discusses the appointment of a new Agriculture Minister in 2009, which may signal a different approach to the management of the sector, and concludes with an assessment of the impact of the global financial crisis. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F130, Q100, Q170, Q180. 2 tables, 63 references.
TL;DR: The authors applied a model of green gross regional product (GGRP) that adjusts for the costs of growth arising from negative environmental externalities and conducted a spatial analysis of the indicator's distribution across China's provinces in 2007 to understand the factors explaining its patterns.
Abstract: A Chinese economist and US-based economic geographer investigate China's move toward introducing "greener" measures of economic output to better assess the environmental costs associated with the country's recent economic development More specifically, the authors applied a model of green gross regional product (GGRP) that adjusts for the costs of growth arising from negative environmental externalities They then conduct a spatial analysis of the indicator's distribution across China's provinces in 2007 in an attempt to better understand the factors explaining its patterns The analysis indicates that once environmental externalities in the form of industrial wastes are accounted for, the coastal—inland divide that traditionally describes China's geography of income inequality is much less obvious Rather a more diffuse pattern emerges, in which some poor provinces are found to be relatively efficient regional producers whereas certain wealthier ones are not